Departmental Honors
Students who wish to do a disciplinary deep dive into their majors can pursue departmental or program honors (or College Honors, for students in all majors in the Walker College of Business). Students generally begin departmental honors in the sophomore or junior year, take several honors courses in their majors, and develop and complete an honors thesis in a topic related to their majors. Specific requirements, which vary by program, can be found in the University's Undergraduate Bulletin(link is external) under the relevant department, but most require a 3.45 GPA.
Students in the Honors College may pursue departmental honors in addition to University Honors, in which case a single thesis will generally cover the requirements of both programs. In addition, students not in the Honors College may be invited to pursue departmental honors in their majors. Departmental honors are especially ideal for transfer students. See the list of departmental honors programs on campus for more details.
Departmental honors are currently available in many departments and programs across campus. If a department or program that does not currently have an honors program is interested in developing one, please contact Dr. Heather Waldroup at waldrouphl@appstate.edu(link sends e-mail) for more information.
Programs & Directors
Students interested in an in-depth study of their major discipline can pursue departmental honors, or College Honors for Walker College of Business students. Typically starting in the sophomore or junior year, students take honors courses in their majors and complete an Honors thesis. Requirements vary by departmental program, but generally include a 3.45 GPA and can be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin. Honors College students can pursue both University and departmental honors with a single thesis covering both. Non-Honors College students may also be invited to pursue departmental honors. This is ideal for students transferring a significant amount of credits to App State. For more information or to develop a new honors program, contact Dr. Heather Waldroup.